Saudi Arabia’s Global Ascendancy: Minister Spotlights Investment, Innovation
Media Minister Salman Al-Dossari confirmed that Saudi Arabia is successfully consolidating its position as a global hub for investment, innovation, and major international events, supported by outstanding performance indicators across critical national sectors. The Minister thoroughly reviewed recent achievements in water sustainability, defense localization, culture, tourism, sports, and comprehensive digital transformation during a press conference held in Riyadh.
Al-Dossari reviewed achievements in water sustainability, saying the Kingdom now ranks first worldwide in daily water supply production, achieving over 16 million cubic meters, consequently expanding network coverage to nearly 83% of the entire population. Effective awareness campaigns successfully reduced water waste from 33% in 2019 to approximately 28%, which significantly contributed to better resource sustainability and improved quality of life.
Furthermore, in the defense sector, he highlighted that localization of military spending impressively rose to almost 25% in 2024, moving closer to Vision 2030’s ambitious target of exceeding 50%. Subsequently, the Cultural Investment Conference 2025 secured agreements valued at SR5 billion, rapidly enhancing a national cultural infrastructure ecosystem that has surpassed SR81 billion.
Digital and Event Leadership
Riyadh continues strengthening its vital role as a central destination for hosting various major global gatherings, attracting decision-makers and investors from around the world.
The 11th Biban Forum showcased this trend, attracting robust participation from 169 countries and hosting the Entrepreneurship World Cup finals where a Swiss company took first place. The event impressively gathered 150 entities that immediately signed agreements exceeding SR130 billion to support local innovation, effective job creation, and human capital development.
Saudi Arabia also maintained its regional leadership in digital transformation, successfully hosting the Digital Government Forum 2025 with strong participation from 400 government entities.
Urban development and the expanding tourism sector also recorded major gains as the “Tourism Means Business” Forum attracted 120 countries and more than $113 million in new investments. Al-Dossari confirmed the Kingdom “has painted a picture of global momentum through a series of international events that bring together decision-makers and investors,” emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s rise as a global center for opportunity and international engagement.
He also noted the Kingdom secured a commendable fourth place in the sixth Islamic Solidarity Games, adding, “The Kingdom secured fourth place, earning 57 medals of various categories.”
